Wikipedia Raises 6.2 Million Dollars
Thanks to contributions of $6.2 million, the financial future of the free encyclopedia Wikipedia in 2009 is secured.
The record donations have surpassed the $6 million expectations of the Wikipedia Foundation, the non-profit body behind the free project, with a personal appeal by Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales back in December rousing a huge amount of support. Shortly before the end of last year, concerns were high at Wikipedia that their financial goal would not be reached. This caused Wales to make his personal call for financial help, which was placed on the Wikipedia website instead of the usual donation plea banner. In the nine days that followed, 50.000 donations at a value of over $2 million had been pledged. By Jan 2, over 125.000 individual donors had contributed to the final sum of a good $6.2 million, making the campaign in the words of the Organization, "the most ambitious and successful campaign in the history of the Foundation."
With the fiscal year 2008/2009 ending on June 30, 2009, Wikipedia's financial needs are estimated at 5.974.000 USD. The money will be used to maintain and further develop the Foundation's technical infrastructure, secure the employment of its 23 permanent employees and helps to cover the cost of Wikipedia Academies and in-person workshops. "You have proven that Wikipedia matters to you, and that you support our mission: to bring free knowledge to the planet, free of charge and free of advertising." says Wales in his thank-you message. All donations over $6 million will be put in a reserve fund to offset operating costs beyond the current fiscal year.
The Foundation website explains exactly how the revenue will be spent. The financial report will be automatically sent to donors by email as soon as it's available. The report for 2007/2008 can also be viewed on the website.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.